Matt Moore Out for the Year Means it Is Jimmy Clausen or Tony Pike Time

The Carolina Panthers have had some of the worst quarterback play in the NFL this season. They just lost 34-3 on Sunday at home to the Saints, they’re only 1-7, and they’ve averaged the fewest points per game in the league. Unfortunately for the Panthers, they also just received the bad news that the one quarterback who had performed somewhat decently for them is now done for the year.

Matt Moore left Sunday’s game early holding his shoulder and did not return. On Monday, it was reported that he’s done for the year because of a torn labrum in his shoulder. Moore’s injury means either rookie 2nd round pick Jimmy Clausen will start for the Panthers or rookie 6th round pick Tony Pike will get the nod.

Clausen got the first crack at the starting job after Moore was concussed in week one. The Jimmy was brutal, throwing for fewer than 188 yards in all four of his starts. He also has just one touchdown pass compared to six turnovers in the six games he’s played. Clausen was so bad that he was replaced by Tony Pike in the 4th quarter on Sunday.

Pike went 6-12 for 47 yards and actually moved the team enough to have two scoring drives, but they were down so badly they went for it on 4th down instead of attempting field goals. Things were already looking bad for the Panthers, but now it only looks worse. In fact, it’s so bad coach John Fox says the team will even look at Armanti Edwards at quarterback (he played QB at Appalachian State but was drafted to play wide receiver). Carolina quarterbacks have just six touchdowns and 18 turnovers on the season. Now you know why they’re 1-7 and why they’re likely to change the number in the win column.